Photos: Governor Rochas Okorocha visits site of collapsed building in Owerri ; two children among the dead

Governor Rochas Okorocha, the Imo State Governor, has warned against the use of non-professionals and substandard materials in the construction of buildings, stating that the non-engagement of engineers and other related professionals and the use of inferior materials remain the major causes of the Collapse of buildings and He equally advised that people should stop building on dredges, gutters and even sucker-ways.

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Governor Okorocha spoke on Sunday 13th August, when he visited the site of a collapsed Three- storey building at Fire Service Area of Owerri, the capital of the state. adding that his government would look into the cause of the building regretting that few other houses had also collapsed before now.

The three- storey building collapsed, killing four persons on the spot while three out of the seven survivors were severely injured. Among the dead are a three -years - old boy, Amara, 18 - months old baby girl, Osinachi Nnabu, and two adults. Two corps members and 40 - year -old man simply identified as Anoruo, who were trapped in the building when it collapsed are in coma and doctors at the police clinic, Owerri, battling to save their lives respectively.

"I was shocked to hear of this building collapse around this area of the city, precisely along stadium and Egbu road. In this disaster, six people were rescued while four persons were confirmed dead. I learnt that Owerri Capital Development Authority has initially sealed this structure against further work but the landlord stubbornly carried on with the construction, adding an additional floor to existing storey building”.

He added, “The next building I understand is owned by the same landlord suffers the same fate. So, I have ordered that the two buildings go down without delay to safeguard against further occurrence and also to serve as a deferent to overzealous landlords and contractors who are involved in this type of mess”.

"Government henceforth will setup building departments separate from OCDA for standards and regulation. Qualified Engineers are henceforth to sample, test and supervise every structure and their construction in the city and suburbs. We as a government can no longer fold our hands and watch landlords and unqualified engineers waste or endanger the lives of our people. All buildings must be inspected and given certification”.

According him, “Owerri, being the fastest growing city in Nigeria is a good development but that is no reason for our people to build anyhow or anywhere for safety reasons. One of the survivors lost a child and I commend the commissioner of Police and the Red Cross for their early intervention. Government will strive to see avenues to find the survivors a means of livelihood while we pray that God grants the dead victims a sweet repose”.